Woman facing animal cruelty charges denied custody of rooster

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PHOTO: CNN

Woman facing animal cruelty charges denied custody of rooster

PHOTO: CNN

STERLING, VA – The woman facing animal cruelty charges after allegedly sacrificing chickens for religious purposes has been denied custody of a rooster that was seized from her home.

Mercy Carrion, who was arrested on May 5, appealed to Loundoun County Circuit Court Wednesday to regain custody of the rooster, but the appeal was denied by Judge Jeanette A. Irby.

Mercy Carrion (PHOTO: Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office)

On April 25, Loundoun County Animal Control responded to a call in the 100 block of Sherwood Court in Sterling, Va. It was reported that chickens were being inhumanely killed at Carrion’s home. According to the warrant from Animal Services, Carrion would kill between 12 to 15 chickens a week, primarily on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. While investigating the scene, officers from Animal Services found evidence that the chickens had been sacrificed.Carrion admitted to taking part in the animal sacrifices at her residence. She was charged with three misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty.

Carrion is scheduled to have a preliminary hearing in Loundoun General District Court on August 3.